VULNERABLE and socially excluded people are to receive their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccination as two further pop-up clinics open across Teesside.
Housing providers Stages and Letita House, in Middlesbrough, are working with NHS Tees Valley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to offer coronavirus vaccinations to over 80 homeless people, and those living in temporary accommodation, in the borough.
The clinics, which will be run by health staff from Holgate and Greater Middlesbrough Primary Care Network, have been set up to help bring COVID-19 jabs to people who may find it difficult to attend a designated vaccination centre.
NHS Tees Valley CCG commissioning lead for primary care, Rebecca Warden, said: “It is really important we ensure that the most vulnerable people in our communities are protected.
“We have been working closely with local housing providers in the area to make sure that homeless people, who may not be registered with a GP or have access to a computer or phone, can still get their vaccination.
“It is absolutely crucial that for the vaccination programme to be successful we need as many people as possible to be vaccinated, therefore it is vital that there are no barriers preventing any community groups from having a vaccination.”
The new pop-up clinics follow on from the success of two previous temporary vaccination sites at the Al Mustafa Centre, Middlesbrough and the Bowesfield Lane Mosque, Stockton.
Pop-up clinics aim to offer more convenient community-based locations for many people across Tees Valley alongside the GP led vaccination sites, community pharmacies and the two large vaccination hubs at The Darlington Arena and The Riverside Stadium.
“Where there is an additional need the local vaccination programme will try to be flexible and responsive to all our communities where it can,” added Rebecca.
“This will ensure that as many people as possible are able to take up the offer of the vaccine.”